Imperial Distillery
Place Category: Distilleries
In 1897 by Thomas Mackenzie constructed the Imperial distillery. He was an entrepreneur who already owned two other malt whisky distilleries: Dailuaine and Talisker. Throughout history Imperial distillery came very close to being demolished; in 2005 Moray Council had already given permission for demolition of the distillery buildings and it was planned to build new housing on the location. Though the new owners of Imperial put those plans aside. Despite, in 2013 the original buildings of the Imperial distillery were demolished, but Chivas Brothers announce planned to build a new distillery on the site of the Imperial distillery, very likely with the same name. Well, although the only link between the old and the new distillery seems to be the location.
Author: Caroline Porsiel
Caroline Porsiel is a master distiller and liqueurist based in East Ellijay, Georgia. She founded House of Applejay, a fine spirits and liqueur distillery, in 2022 with her mother, Sabine, crafting award-winning products like Applejay from Ellijay, Mt. Frozen Knob Vodka, and Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. The distillery won a 2024 Best of Georgia Award and a 2025 Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. As a founding member of the AMBRU Campaign, launched in 2020, Porsiel advocates for the global recognition of American Brandy and Rum. She continues to drive innovation in the craft spirits industry from her active distillery in the heart of Georgia’s apple country.
